Birth of a Nation: The Declaration of Independence is Signed
PHILADELPHIA — The air in Philadelphia is thick with excitement and the scent of printer's ink. Inside the Pennsylvania State House, something incredible has happened. After weeks of intense debate and months of tension with Great Britain, the Continental Congress has made a final decision. On July 4, 1776, the representatives of the thirteen colonies officially adopted the Declaration of Independence. This historic document formally announces that the colonies are breaking away from British rule to become a new, free nation.
For years, the relationship between the colonies and King George III has been breaking down. Many colonists felt that the King’s laws were unfair. They were forced to pay taxes on things like tea and paper, but they had no representatives in the British Parliament to speak for them. This led to the famous cry of "No taxation without representation!" Now, the colonies have decided they can no longer live under a government that does not listen to them. Independence means they are no longer subjects of a king. Instead, they are now citizens of their own country, responsible for making their own laws and choosing their own leaders.
- Adopted:
- To formally accept or approve a document or a plan.
- Treason:
- The crime of betraying one's country or government.
- Parchment:
- A thick, durable material made from animal skin used for writing important documents.
- Unalienable:
- Something that cannot be taken away or given away.
- Delegate:
- A person chosen to speak or act for a group of people.
- unanimous:
- Fully agreed upon or supported by everyone involved in a decision.
Educational example text · News Article
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- 1Where in Philadelphia was the Declaration of Independence officially adopted?
- 2What specific phrase did the colonists use to protest being taxed without a voice in government?
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About this news article passage for Upper Elementary
“Birth of a Nation: The Declaration of Independence is Signed” is a news article reading passage about American Independence, written for Upper Elementary. It takes about 4 minutes to read (577 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.